Moon & Its Phases

Front

What is the moon?

Back

The moon is a natural satellite that orbits Earth.

Front

How many phases does the moon have?

Back

The moon has eight phases.

Front

What are the phases of the moon?

Back

The phases are new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent.

Front

What causes the moon to appear to change shape?

Back

The moon appears to change shape due to its orbit around Earth and the way sunlight reflects off it.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

A new moon is when the moon is between Earth and the sun, and we cannot see it.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

A full moon is when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun.

Front

What is a quarter moon?

Back

A quarter moon is when half of the moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.

Front

How does the moon affect tides?

Back

The moon's gravitational pull causes the water in the oceans to bulge, creating high and low tides.

Front

What is the distance from the Earth to the moon?

Back

The average distance from Earth to the moon is about 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers).